"Canine Conversations"These educational programs are sponsored by the Jefferson County Library. They are an opportunity to get some great information for FREE that you can use to enhance your relationship with your dog. You can come to one or to all of them. Bring your friends and family.

"One of the most beautiful qualities of true friendship is to understand and to be understood." ~ L. Seneca

Standley Lake LibraryMarch 3rd - CANCELLED DUE TO ILLNESS!Fearful Dog; There’s nothing to fear!“I don’t understand why my dog is afraid of __________”. Or “My dog is afraid of everything!”. It can be very frustrating when your dog has anxiety or is afraid. It can also be dangerous. A fearful dog can sometimes feel like they have no other choice but to bite someone to communicate their fear. Whether you own a fearful dog or want to make sure your next dog isn’t fearful this lecture is for you!

Topics include:

Signs of fear and anxiety: How does your dog tell you they are afraid or worried? Learn to recognize the signs.

Physical Changes in the body: We will explore the connection between changes in the body and changes in emotion.

What causes anxiety and fear: Common areas that cause anxiety and fear in dogs.

General anxiety or context anxiety: How to tell the difference and why it’s important to know which your dog is suffering from.

Training or Behavior Modification: What is the difference and why does that matter to a fearful dog.

Holistic & Alternative Therapies: How can I help my dog feel better?

Does my dog need Prozac? When is it time to discuss medication with your vet?

April 7thCan you hear me now? Canine Body Language.Do you know what your dog is trying to tell you? Can you speak their language? Dogs have a language, it’s just not English! How do our dogs try to “talk” to us and how can we learn to listen? Once you understand what your dog is trying to tell you the door to honest communication is opened. Your relationship will deepen and you will become a team instead of adversaries.

Topics include:

Canine body language

Signs of stress and anxiety

Why we have to learn to speak “Dog” before expecting our dogs to speak English

May 5th Walking Tips: Yes, you CAN enjoy walking your dogDo you dread walking your dog? Would you like to make it more enjoyable for both you and your dog? Get help with walking by attending this lecture.

Topics include:

Setting the stage: A walk starts before you leave the house.

Unwanted behaviors: Why does my dog pull, bark, or lunge?

Equipment: How can the right equipment can make or break you.

Rules of the road: What is polite walking etiquette?

Listen to me! Gaining dog focus and understanding

Distractions: How to handle distractions so your dog still listens to you.

June 2ndThe Family Dog: Understanding child & dog dynamics.Everyone thinks kids and dogs go together like peanut butter and jelly, but it isn’t always the case. If you have kids but no dog how do you teach them to be safe? If you have a dog but no kids how do you teach them to understand kids? If you have BOTH how do you juggle safety with fun and bonding? Whether you own a dog or a have a child or both this lecture is for you!

Topics include:

Safety Tips: From infants to toddlers and beyond. Teach your kids how to be safe around familiar or unfamiliar dogs. Teach your dogs how to behave around children.

Games & Tricks: How to teach children games that are respectful of personal boundaries and yet FUN for both the kids and the dog.

How to teach a trick or two that your dog can do around kids instead of being petted (if they don’t love kids)

Training: Yes, your kids CAN train the dog and have them listen.Socializing to children: How to expose your dogs to children and have them like it.

Breed Selection: Getting the right dog for your family. Should you get a puppy or adult dog?

Timing: When is the best time to add a new dog to your family.

Extended Family Issues: Does Grandma’s dog like the grandkids? What about

Auntie’s dog? How to have good relationships between kids and dogs that don’t live together.

July 7thFluffy! Come here!Does your dog come when you call them? Or do they have selective hearing and continue to sniff the tree? This talk will cover the most common reasons why our dogs don’t come when we call and how to get them to.

Topics include

Define it. Do you really know what you want?

Poison! How owners ruin a good recall.

Common mistakes

August 4thPuppies. More than just puppy breathIf you want a great adult dog you need to lay the foundation while they are still puppies. Too many adult and adolescent dogs lose their home to behavior problems that could have been prevented when they were puppies. Don’t let this happen to your new puppy!

Topics include:

Socialization: What is it really all about?

Puppy Biting: What is bite inhibition and how do you teach it?

Housetraining: Learn the three parts to housetraining. Hint, it’s more than just outside.

Destructive Chewing: Argh! Don’t chew on my shoe.

Animal Husbandry: Teach your pup to sit still at the vet

Adolescence: It’s right around the corner

And so much more!

September 1stQuickly Train Your Dog: How Dogs LearnDid you know there is a science to learning? This is an in depth talk about the different ways dogs learn. Your dog is an individual. That means their training program needs to be customized for them. What works for one dog may not work for another. If what you have tried in the past isn’t working perhaps it’s time to delve into the science of learning so you can get the results you want. A dog who listens to you because they understand what it is you want. When you understand how they learn it makes teaching them less frustrating for you AND for them. Come and learn how to revamp your training program to become more effective.

Topics include:

What is the science behind dog training?

What are the major methods of dog training?

How to decide which training method works best for which behaviors?

October 6thHoliday Dog: Ho! Ho! Ho! not No! No! No!This presentation helps you plan and prepare for the holidays – specifically with your dog(s) in mind. Whether you are hosting the holidays at your home or traveling Holiday Dog fills in the gaps left uncovered by basic obedience training. What dogs learn in a group class doesn’t always transition to real life situations and owners are frustrated and dogs are confused. Don’t let that happen to you!

That’s not a toy: Prevent destructive chewing BEFORE they chew holiday decorations.

Mind your manners: Can they stay out of the way while you carry holiday decorations or are they under foot about to trip you?

On the road: What are the skills your dog needs if you will be traveling with them.

Grandma’s House: What are the skills your dog needs to be a polite house guest.

Holiday boarding: Discuss options for your dog when they can’t go with you

November 3rdUnderstanding “alpha dog”: Status and Pack dynamics in your pet dogIt’s a commonly accepted idea that dogs are “man’s best friend.” We give them a special place in our lives and they are, in turn, loyal companions. At the same time, many modern dog owners also believe that they aremeant to establish themselves as the “alpha dog” in relation to their pets. Yet the notion that cherished “best friends” are meant to strictly obey our will is something of a paradox. How can we reconcile feelings of respect and even love with expectations of submission and compliance? Is there a valid and compelling justification for establishing dominance over our dogs? Is dominance something dogs actually want and need?

Topics include:

What is dominance? Explore the truths and the myths

Who is the pack leader? Is it you?

What is status? Can your dog seek status without dominance?

Leader or alpha? Is there a difference?

Listen to me! How to communicate with a confident dog to get your desired results.

December 1stAsk the trainerWhen I tell people I am a dog trainer the first thing they say is, “my dog does _____________ why?” This talk I will take your questions and answer them. Have you ever wondered why your dog barks at the mailman? Come tonight and find out.